things i love // back to school

Summer is flying by so quickly I feel like I hardly even had a chance to buckle up for the ride. Our district’s early out (pre-Memorial Day) + early back (pre-Labor Day) school schedule means that in just a few short weeks, my babies will become 4th and 6th graders (eek, middle school) and another harried year will begin. I’m so thrilled + grateful to be back to fun activities and time with friends and SCHOOL in a real building, so I’ll *try* not to complain about the nutty scheduling of it all and just enjoy the ‘normal.’ You lovelies will keep me in check, right? In preparation for a new year, my big kid just picked out a rad new lunchbox and some Stasher Bags. I have rounded up some other awesome Back to School stuff this week to get you thinking about what’s to come, whether you have a kiddo headed off to their first day of preschool or a too-cool middle school veteran. And wherever your kiddos land, enjoy your last weeks and days of summer. It just goes SO dang fast. xo

Oh my goodness, if you have teeny tinies heading off to school or even just to the park across the street, these We Might Be Tiny Snackies are just the cutest. All of this Australian company’s products, from Plates to Placemats to Cups, have my design-loving heart. And, in addition to being the MOST adorable tableware I’ve maybe ever seen, all of their products are designed to encourage independent eating and are made from super durable food-grade silicone that’s free from gross chemicals, so you can feel doubly good about serving up your sweet littles’ delicious snacks in the world’s cutest container. So, would it be cool to send my middle schooler to class with one? I mean, he’d be ok with that, right?! Or… maybe it’ll just be my go-to toddler gift.
// WE MIGHT BE TINY SNACKIES $29.95 //

You guys already know that my big kid loves a good fidget. He just needs a little something to keep his hands busy, especially when it’s time to sit and focus. I’m new to this whole middle school mom thing, but I’m just *guessing* that a wildly distracting [annoying] fidget toy that pops or whirls or splats might not cut it in class anymore. So, I ordered him Calm Strips. They’re a ‘sensory adhesive’ designed to ground fidgeters while they drag their fingers on the sandy or pebbly surface or peel up the corner over and over. They’re subtle and satisfying and they can be easily removed from any surface and stuck again somewhere else. They’re now also selling Carry Tags that you can stick your Calm Strip to so you can bring it anywhere or attach it to a backpack. They come in a bunch of cool designs, some of which earn a portion of proceeds for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, The Human Rights Campaign and several other super worthy causes. Don’t you love it when something you want anyway has the added bonus of contributing to an organization you’re super happy to support?! Middle School here we come.
// CALM STRIPS $12.99 //

If you have a kiddo that doesn't want to totally blend in at school, consider letting them customize their gear with a set of Posca paint markers. We have several sets (regular, glitter, 'flesh tones' and fluorescent; the metallic are on our list) and my guys LOVE them. My older son used them to customize the Swooshes of his plain white Air Force 1s with a cool design and both boys went totally Shrinky Dink crazy for a good while (we have a whole medieval army and the entire population of Springfield cast in tiny plastic 😂). Because they write on almost any surface, you can use Poscas on notebooks or binders, phone cases, water bottles, skateboards, cleats or sneakers, helmets, bikes…you get the idea. And if you’re not into marking up their stuff, you can also use them for Kindness Rocks or other fun art projects. They also have a super inspiring Instagram feed that might just spark your kiddo’s creativity. I even used them to draw on the ends of my weights for Boot Camp so they don’t get mixed up with the others. Nerdy? Totally. But at least I won’t blend in.
// POSCA PAINT MARKERS from $15 //

School is hard enough to navigate for t[w]eens without having to worry about things like getting their first period. If it’s a subject on the mind of your growing gal [or you!], Lola’s brilliant First Period Kit will give you both a sense of confidence and calm that might take at least one thing off your list. Lola is a female-run brand dedicated entirely to women’s reproductive and sexual health and wellness. Their products are all non-toxic and dye-free and are a score for mamas, too. The First Period Kit comes with a complete sampling of all of the tools your t[w]een will need (organic tampons and 3 kinds of pads) to examine ahead of time and experiment with when the time comes, including a little carry pouch you can stash in her backpack or locker. The Kit also includes period-tracking stickers and access to a super helpful pediatrician-authored e-book with honest and straightforward advice and answers to their period questions [including the ones they didn’t even know to ask]. It could be invaluable at demystifying this rite of passage and is a fantastic way to start a conversation that might otherwise be awkward. So let them worry about their math homework or when practice starts and scratch this off the list.
// LOLA FIRST PERIOD KIT + GUIDE $34 //

So… you getting tired of packing the same lunch every. single. morning? I mean, I LOVE a good routine, but if your kids are getting bored of the same old, Catherine at Weelicious has all of the inspiration you need to earn yourself a gold star for school lunch making this year. A trained chef and mama of 3, she started posting healthy, kid-friendly recipes when her oldest was little and has grown her blog to include amazing food for the whole family (she also makes my guy’s hands-down favorite special treat). Her school lunch photos + ideas are super inspiring and are a fantastic reminder of the huge variety of things we *could* be packing for our kids. You can even search her site by dietary need, which is SO helpful if you have restrictions in your household. Check out her Insta for the adorable videos she makes with her daughter and some excellent cooking tips. And, now I’m hungry.
// WEELICIOUS //

Hey! Just a heads up that this post includes affiliate links, but rest assured that I stand by all product recommendations 100%. Questions? Reach out, I’m always here for you. xo

things i love // mama loves you

I can’t really believe it’s mid April. I mean, the snow out my window surely doesn’t help set my seasonal context, but even so, this time of year just flies by. The settling in of true springtime means that my ‘baby’ is about to turn 9 [gasp, sob], that things will be bursting from the ground every day [hooray] AND that it’s almost Mother’s Day. I am SO lucky for so many reasons to have my own mom just across town and we’ve already made a brunch reservation for the big day. Like, at a restaurant. Okay, outside the restaurant, but still. The idea of sitting outside in the beautiful sunshine with my family while someone else brings me food is almost too much to think about. We haven’t been out for more than a year and I’m SO excited (thank you vaccines + science). I couldn’t dream of a better way to spend the day.

Growing up, our Mother’s Day tradition included going to the local nursery and picking out TONS of annuals to plant in the yard. It’s the gift my mom always chose, both the sunny flowers and the beautiful time spent planting them together, especially as we got older and more, um, *independent.* It was a super sweet way to spend the day, digging in the dirt as a family. There are as many ways to make a mama feel special as there are mamas in the world. Gifts of your time are always heartfelt and sweet, but if that’s not possible or you want to add another layer, I am sharing a few more ideas this week. I’ve already peppered you with some gems in weeks past, from pretty handmade notebooks to gorgeous olive oil to stunning glassware, so it might also be worth a trip down Things I Love memory lane for some other goodies. And if you still need some more tailored ideas, reach out, I’m totally here for you, lovelies. xo

Is there a better way to honor the beautiful variety of mamas in you life than by supporting a super innovative and gorgeous multi-generational family business based out of Tuscany? I’m thinking no. UASHMAMA makes stunning, refined and stylish bags and home goods from their own painstakingly developed washable paper. Yep, you heard me, WASHABLE PAPER. It’s so cool. It has the elevated look of well-loved leather, but with a relaxed Italian vibe and is completely sustainable. Their range of goods ensures that there’s something for everyone from classic totes and sweet little cross-bodies to placemats and wine bags. They also have a perfect collection of accessories that would make any gal (or guy!) swoon, plus their signature product, the Paper Bag. These genius little vessels come in a wide range of sizes and can be used to store or display anything from plants to toys to office supplies to cotton balls. I have given the littlest ones as a pretty wrapping for a gift card that can be reused for tiny treasures. Between the gorgeous metallics, the refined woven collection and the super classic designs, you’re sure to find a treasure for all of your favorite mamas.
// UASHMAMA PAPER BAGS from $10 //

One of my most prized possessions is a brass Canopy Mobile from Austin-based Circle & Line that was gifted to me a few Mother’s Days ago by my own sweet mom. I love it so much I designed my whole living room around it. For real. Circle & Line Design hand-fabricates stunning mobiles and wall hangings, combining ‘simple’ shapes into complex and elegant art pieces. They just launched two new colors, bronze and violet gray, both equally soft and graceful (I also LOVE the green). I gifted a Reflect Wall Hanging to my SIL for the holidays and she found the perfect nook for it in her house; it just instantly elevated the space, adding beautiful interest and movement. Circle & Line also recently launched a collaboration with Design Within Reach, introducing Treble and Bass, two mobiles that are suitable for hanging both indoors and out. Circle & Line’s collection is so classic and elegant it would look right at-home in lots of different spaces and would make a very special gift for a very special mama.
// CIRCLE & LINE from $150 //

Nopalera is a stunning artisan natural beauty brand designed to celebrate the richness of Latina culture and the beauty of Mexico. The child of immigrants, founder Sandra Lilia Velasquez, was inspired by the nopales that were abundant around her childhood home near the CA-MX border. The nopal cactus is a highly sustainable + resilient crop and super nourishing, making it the ideal foundation for each of Nopalera’s super natural products. The nopal they use is all wild-harvested and the company’s packaging is reusable or recyclable, though I don’t know why you’d want to throw away any of the AMAZING packaging. I want to wallpaper my dining room with it. Yes, I am a bit biased given my lifelong passion for Mexican Folk Art, but I’m pretty sure it’s objectively stunning.

The dreamy Cactus Flower Exfoliant is colored with achiote seeds and has a super subtle tangerine scent perfect for warmer days. I’m also super intrigued by the Moisturizing Botanical Bar that’s used in place of lotion. The unique ingredients are designed for maximum hydration and literally melt into your skin as you rub the bar across all of your dry bits. And then there are the Cactus Soaps, shaped like the beautiful nopal itself. Any of these gorgeous products would make a lovely gift on there own, but combine them all and you have yourself a REALLY special gift for any mama who could use a little self-care.
// NOPALERA from $14 //

Even if you can’t go to the nursery with your mom to pick out plants together, The Sill makes it super easy to send them to her instead. They have lovely brick + mortar shops now in NYC, LA and SF, but The Sill’s online plant delivery business is hopping and for good reason. They ship high-quality house plants in chic pots all around the country. Tending to plants brings people closer to nature, which can help them feel calm + happy, so in addition to giving them something beautiful to look at, you’ll also be nurturing their soul. It doesn’t get much better than that. You can choose your favorite for a one-time gift or order a subscription to have a plant a month sent to your favorite plant mom. Depending on how dirty you want your recipients hands to get, you can choose to include potting soil for a more DIY approach or have it totally display-ready. The Sill also has really pretty skincare, candles and wellness gifts to add on for a complete mind-body boost (Brooklyn-based Palermo Body’s products are really gorgeous + squeaky clean).

If the mamas you love like to get their hands MUCH dirtier than potting a sweet house plant, consider a subscription to Urban Organic Gardener’s Seed Club or Seed Bank Box, both of which will send your green thumb high-quality, non-GMO and in many cases organic or heirloom seeds each month. Some are even super rare, giving them bragging rights and exposing your seasoned gardener to something unexpected and new.
// THE SILL from $21 //

They say that necessity is the *mother* of invention, which makes SKiVY’s Femme founder, Kelly Degnan, mama to both lovely human children AND brilliant ideas. How many times have you been puttering around your house in your pjs, sans bra, and had the doorbell ring or your kiddo’s buddy pop by unannounced, leaving you scrambling to get “the girls” saddled up and ready for company? It’s def a thing and Kelly wanted to solve it with grace and style. So she invented SKiVYs, a loungewear line designed to take you seamlessly from bed to school drop-off to WFH without having to worry about your mom parts hanging out. Her soft and stylish dresses have a specially-designed built-in bra that’s made for both comfort and function, leaving you looking put together and ready for the day while still feeling insanely comfy. With four styles to choose from, there’s sure to be one that suits your favorite mama. The Godess Gown looks super flattering and has pockets for function, while the Slip Dress would be amazing for steaming hot days and nights. It’ll be so tough to decide, but I have faith in you. Use AFLUTTER15 at checkout for 15% off your purchase.
// SKIVVY’S FEMME GODDESS GOWN $78 //

Ok, yes, this is supposed to be all about mamas, but I couldn't resist this and besides, mom wouldn't be mom without her precious offspring, right? This mommy + me collab from Hedley & Bennett x Rifle Paper Co is so pretty and cute that I just had to share. Hedley & Bennet is THE gold standard in aprons for both industry and home chefs. Combine their quality and styling with Rifle’s always-lovely and feminine floral prints and you get such a sweet match. They made one for mama and one for your favorite little sous chef for just the perfect set. I love the springy Herb Garden and Rosa prints. If the mamas you love aren’t moved by florals, there are also some really pretty, classic solids that are equally lovely, or you can mix & match with your cutie little kitchen helper. How cute is that?
// HEDLEY & BENNETT APRONS from $45 //

things i love // just add water

The sun was out this week and it felt so good I had trouble getting anything done. I had to get out my warmer weather clothes and start putting sunscreen on my arms each morning (I’m REALLY trying to do my hands when I’m out hiking). Of course, in typical Colorado fashion, there’s snow in the forecast for next week, but it doesn’t bother me one bit because I know there are LOTS of sunny days ahead. And with that in mind, everything I’m sharing with you this week is perfect for those glorious sunny days, a few are even designed to share with friends and family as the prospect of gathering becomes more realistic (YAY YAY YAY!). So check it all out and then GO OUTSIDE and enjoy all of the glory of spring. But don’t forget the sunscreen, lovelies. xo

+ If you ever have questions about any of my recommendations or just want to chat, feel free to leave a comment below or reach out. I’m totally here for you.

Our family has A LOT of gear. We have rafting gear, camping gear, ski gear… you get the idea. And most of it has been carefully curated over years of adventures so we’ve amassed some pretty baller stuff. But… I have a massive crush on these Igloo 50th Anniversary Edition Little Playmates. They are just so fun and bright and we def *need* one [or two] for weekend football games, pool days, hot summer car trips and just chillin’ in a friend’s yard. I’m just sure none of our other 17 coolers will do the job. The 50th Anniversary Edition comes in 9 super rad color combos, plus they have a huge range of other special editions that honor everything from The Grateful Dead to Star Wars to Nascar. The whole Retro Collection is just nostalgic and fun. These little guys would make a fantastic gift for Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, your favorite fishing buddy, soccer mom or sports fan. I mean, who wouldn’t love one of these gems? I guess we’d better make more space in the garage.
// IGLOO 50TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION LITTLE PLAYMATES $29.99 //

Now that the possibility of more far-flung travel destinations is looking just a *bit* more promising, my radar is back to scanning for stuff to make the whole experience more enjoyable. Airline travel isn’t exactly glamorous, especially now that you have to don a full hazmat suit for the duration, so a little forward thinking is key. I always bring lots of nourishing snacks and the whole fam’s reusable water bottles on the plane. I mean, those tiny little plastic cups are like 2 sips (and totally wasteful) and it’s a must to have a bottle on the other end for the journey ahead. In the “before times” I bought a GOpure water filter for my water bottle so that I could feel confident in the tap water wherever we went. It makes filling your bottle in the filthy airport bathroom not feel so bad. The little Pod eliminates a whole host of grody stuff found in municipal water supplies (hello arsenic, chlorine, lead, micro plastics and more….um, GROSS). And it makes your water just taste and smell better. Heck, you don’t need to be traveling to exotic locales to use your GOpure Pod, you can use it in the comfort of your own home everyday and feel confident knowing that the water you’re drinking is safe and clear. It’s designed to filter 246 gallons of potable water and each lil’ Pod keeps 2000 plastic water bottles out of the landfill and ocean. Gulp. That’s a lot. Pair a GOpure Pod with a shiny new water bottle to make a brilliant gift for anyone you love who loves travel, wellness or adventuring.
// GOPURE POD $54.95 a pair //

I’m not sure what I love most about Dabble and Dollop; it might be their commitment to clean ingredients (there are no parabens, phalates, sulfates….) OR it could be their whole unique model, which is designed entirely around kids having FUN and exploring making heavenly smelling concoctions in the bath with their bubbles. They have painstakingly formulated their line’s natural scents with fruity aromas that are meant to be mixed and matched together for a fun and refreshing experience. AND they can be used as bubble bath, body wash or shampoo, eliminating the need for a bunch of products. It’s gentle enough for babies, but also rad for older kiddos who have outgrown baby shampoo both in concept and function; it’s cool AND it’s effective on older kids’ thicker, dirtier hair. Mix any of their Gels with some Vanilla Whip or pop a few Droplets Bath Bombs into the tub just for fun. You can buy each individually or choose a Gift Bundle for variety (they also have a subscription so you never run out). Plus, they support STEAM non-profits and work to inspire kids’ interest in science. Bonus! These bright, fun sudsy bottles would make a seriously adorable gift for any splashy toddler or kiddo you love OR one you don’t know very well - you really can’t go wrong with clean, cute bubbles.
// DABBLE AND DOLLOP BODY WASH + SHAMPOO from $13.99 //

AAAGH! Have you guys seen Estelle Colored Glass’ Stemwear?! You already know that I just CANNOT wait to start entertaining friends and family again. I’m so excited to gather and eat and drink and listen to the kids’ shrieks of laughter. It’s one of my favorite things to do. I also seriously love bright pops of color, so…if those two passions had a refined, fancy love child, it would pretty much look like Estelle Colored Glass. Founder, Stephanie Summerson Hall, was moved to create the vintage-inspired heirloom-quality hand-blown Polish glass by her grandmother’s passion for antiquing and it is exquisite. The Stemmed and Stemless wine glasses are just stunning and I love the Champagne Coupes for their vintage feel. The Cake Stands reminded Hall of her grandmother’s special Sunday desserts and are also such a special vintage nod. All of her pieces come in a gorgeous variety of pastel and jewel tone colors that can be mixed and matched for a more whimsical vibe or kept monochromatic for a more formal feel. Needless to say, anything from Estelle Colored Glass would make a dazzling gift for a wedding, anniversary, Mother’s Day or your very favorite hostess with the mostess.
// ESTELLE COLORED GLASSWARE from $35 //

Ok, so “nourishment” may be a bit of a stretch for a boozy drink, but Tieghan at Half Baked Harvest has jammed such gorgeous fresh ingredients into this Frozen Blueberry Paloma that I’m totally running with it. It’s a super refreshing blend of fresh grapefruit juice, blueberries and fresh lime that are so yummy with or without the tequila. This will be such a stunner for guests, especially with the addition of those beautiful edible flowers. I mean, nothing says welcome to the sunshine like a pretty frosty cocktail. And a mocktail version will make the kids feel super special, too. So, if you need me, I’ll just be outside with my face to the sun sipping one of these. Who’s in?!
// HALF BAKED HARVEST FROZEN BLUEBERRY PALOMA //

things i love // launch

Wow, that was a week. It feels like the light was turned on; like the sun came out. The collective feeling of hope and strength that’s emanating feels so good (please please let us hold on to it). The world met Amanda Gorman and will now never forget her words and her exquisite, mesmerizing reading of them. My son is already studying her poem at school and I’m so proud that his rad teacher seized this moment to teach the kids about the power of language. I heard Amanda Gorman interviewed and she said she doesn’t draw inspiration from pictures, but from snippets of phrases and words, which is so fascinating to me because I’m such a visual person.

And, in other *slightly* less profound news, it’s almost Valentine’s Day! If you missed my posts about Love Bombs and Galentine’s Day, check them out for some awesome gift ideas. And if you celebrate the day with your sweetheart and need a little help choosing THE perfect thing, reach out, I’d be so happy to help give them heart-eyes on the big day.

Here are a few things that caught my eye this week. I come across too many awesome things along the way not to share them, so this is a little expansion of the “things i love” section of the website. Let me know if there are categories of things you’d like to see more of in future. And thanks for hanging with me, lovelies. xo

This Mushroom Cauliflower Rice from Primavera Kitchen is so good and satisfying. I have made it a few times and it has never disappointed. It's really savory and hearty, like healthy comfort food, and it’s super easy. I usually serve it as a side, but you could easily add some protein or put an egg on top and make it a full meal. You can also sub brown or white rice if you prefer - just add the cooked rice to the skillet at the end and skip the broth (this time I actually used Trader Joe’s frozen brown rice, which made it crazy quick!). I have her Sheet Pan Shrimp Boil recipe pinned for when corn comes back in season, it looks so YUMMY.
// PRIMAVERA KITCHEN MUSHROOM CAULIFLOWER RICE //

This Oli & Carol collaboration with iconic Spanish designer Agatha Ruiz de la Prada is just the cutest AND a portion of the proceeds from the sale will be donated to pediatric cancer research, which is such a win-win. The bright heart can be used as a bracelet or teether or toy for your littles and Oli & Carol is a gorgeous Barcelona-based company that you’ll feel great about supporting. It’s run by two beautiful young sisters who use sustainable, 100% natural rubber to create their adorable bath toys and then hand-paint each one using food-grade dye. And if that isn’t enough to sell you, the sisters also use a portion of their proceeds to fund a school in northern India. I just love it when I find a company that makes super high quality products AND does good in the world. You’ll also find their awesome toys in Bubbles & Joy subscription boxes.
// HEART BRACELET BY AGATHA RUIZ DE LA PRADA FOR OLI & CAROL $18.99 //

I learned about this facial oil from Lisa at This Organic Girl (if you don’t follow her, you def should, but prep your wallet because you’ll want ALL the things!). My skin is pretty sensitive, so I’ve been keeping it super simple for the last few years. But Colorado’s 300 days of gorgeous sunshine and dry air take a serious toll on a mama’s skin. So I took a chance on this super natural not-at-all-oily facial oil and I AM IN LOVE. In just a few days of morning and night use, I can totally see and feel a difference in the hydration level and look of my skin. My cheeks feel like I’m back in the PNW, all dewy in the middle of January. That’s a serious feat. The Essentialist is a Canadian company that’s dedicated to minimalism in every way, using only natural, sustainably sourced ingredients. Plus they’re Leaping Bunny certified, which is, well, essential as far as I’m concerned. Now if I could get my over-washed sandpaper hands to feel like my face, I’d be all set.
// ESSENTIALIST DAILY RENEWAL FACIAL OIL $110 CAD //

Our whole family loved Wolfwalkers on AppleTV+. The animation is truly stunning and magical. It’s so layered and has incredible movement and depth and so much beauty that I want to go watch it again just to see the details that I missed the first time. And the touching story is also gorgeous. Even if you don’t have kiddos it’s well worth a watch (and it might be a bit dark for super little littles), it was just a real pleasure. They also have a graphic novel that’s equally stunning.
// WOLFWALKERS ON APPLETV+ //

If you follow along with me, you might’ve seen a post earlier this week about 10-year-old Dana and her awesome non-profit, Cookies 4 Cures. Dana bakes cookies to raise money to help fund research into rare pediatric diseases. One of Dana’s sweet friends and fundraising recipients is little Sophie, who loves to dance and has a super rare condition called MCTO that will basically slowly cause her bones to dissolve. Yeah, let that sink in for a minute. There are only around 30 other people in the entire world with this same condition, so it’s just not the focus of a lot of attention or funding. Taking action on behalf of their beautiful daughter, her parents started the non-profit, Sophie’s Neighborhood, to raise money and awareness in hopes that research will catch up and help find a treatment for Sophie and other extra special kids like her who have similarly rare devastating genetic illnesses. Please check it out and help or give whatever you can. And, Dana will is baking some sweet Valentine’s Day cookies for another pop-up on February 13th at Santo in Boulder, so grab a bag of homemade treats for a friend and bring double smiles while you do some good.
// SOPHIE’S NEIGHBORHOOD //

Portland-based artist and illustrator, Lisa Congdon, crushed it this week. She was asked by the Biden Inaugural Committee to recreate the official invitation in her own sunny, happy, bright style and it is truly awesome. She also has a new book coming out in March and I already preordered it because I know it’s going to make me smile. “You Will Leave a Trail of Stars” is a collection of her inspiring, magical artwork, quotes and advice and it looks like a spectacular gift. I’ll def keep you posted on that one, I’m happy to take one for the team.
// YOU WILL LEAVE A TRAIL OF STARS $15.95 //

Hey! Just a heads up that this post includes affiliate links that could earn me a small commission, but rest assured that I stand by all product recommendations 100%. Questions? Reach out, I’m always here for you. xo